steadfast

11in by 11in riso print in fluo pink and black ink my sister had a fleat of protectors, most were people who took on these vows quietly and a few who were, for lack of better metaphor, drafted to her legion. she adored them all intensely and sent them on quests regularly, but none were as special, loyal, reliable, determined, or devoted to her as my brother. I spent my early life watching him step up and step in at any moment and drop everything and anything to be where she needed him. I watched as he carried her on his shoulder in victory celebrations, and hauled her on his back so she could be with us, wherever we went. I learned how to protect my sister by watching my brother go out of his way, his entire life, to ensure she was included when the systems that run our society put literal barriers in front of her. The very last time i carried my sister somewhere, she was regaling me of all the knights who had dropped her, literally, down a hill, on a flight of stairs, etc and i promised her that i was strong, i had her, and i playfully boasted that i was going to do an even better job than our big brother, because i knew that was her pinnacle. That if i wanted her to feel safe merely invoking his name would move mountains. She saw him as a knight in shining armor and he obliged, happily and without a second thought, he was there, every time. I am so glad she had our brother and so was she.

product photo by @tinydeerstudio